After the meeting, Pranab confirmed to reporters in Chennai that he has assured the chief minister that this issue will be taken up with the foreign ministry.

He said, "I have discussed the killing of the Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy with CM Karunanidhi. In the last ten days two people were killed, which has worried the chief minister. We have good relations with Sri Lanka. However, there is no justification in killing the people. If they have done nothing wrong, then they could have arrested the fishermen as there is a procedure for resolving this."

"I have assured the CM that I will discuss this through the foreign ministry with Sri Lankan authorities so that such incidents are not repeated," added Pranab.

Meanwhile, in a statement Chief Minister Karunanidhi confirmed the discussion between the duo over this matter, which has threatened to snowball into a diplomatic row between India and Sri Lanka.

"I am deeply hurt by these incidents. I have taken up the matter with Pranab Mukherjee during the meeting and have asked the Centre to take up the matter with the Lankan government. We have offered Rs 5 lakh compensation to the families of the fishermen."